It was to the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership where the action came from this Sunday for Women’s Football East to watch the league encounter between March Town United Ladies at home to ICA Sports Ladies. The Premiership looking like at is going to be very competitve this season, ICA Sports one of the sides to record an opening day win as they between Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds 6-5 at home. Travelling to play March who sat out the opening weekend this their first competitive action of the season. The hosts making a slow start ICA Sports soon on the front foot, breaking to take an early lead Donna Nicholls taking the ball forwards passing into Carman Herridge top of the area she lay it back for onrushing midfielder Hannah Murphy to strike the ball in from 20 yards. Nicholls lively at the start for ICA Sports soon putting the visitors 2-0 up driving into the box to sent the ball through the keepers legs from close range. A set-piece played into the area seeing ICA Sports take a 3-0 lead captain Becky Shields heading the ball to the back post Murphy there unmarked smashing the ball in for her 2nd of the game.
Donna Nicholls controlling the ball for ICA Sports
A dominant first half for ICA Sports, March performing better 2nd half pushing forwards creating opportunities a free-kick forwards into Emma Searle to take the ball across the top of the box and fire a shot back in across goal off the post and in to make it 2-1. ICA Sports restoring their 3 goal lead with Nicholls producing another fantastic drive into the box to shoot and beat the keeper. March continued to be positive scoring another with Searle on target smashing home from outside the area off a corner. The game stretched late on Herridge scoring late on finding the bottom corner from the top of the area. ICA Sports winning 5-2 to move to the top of the league.
St Ives Town Ladies Development also starting the season with a win newly promoted to the Premiership winning the Championship South title last season. A 3-1 win away to Riverside Ladies then, Riverside were once again the opponents this Sunday travelling to St Ives. The sides contesting a goalless draw to share the points, Riverside improving since their heavy defeat in the Women’s FA Cup.
Also getting their first win under their belts this weekend were Cambridge City Ladies newly formed A side. A trip to Netherton United Ladies this weekend. Cambridge City’s first team not in action a couple of their young players turning out for the A team helping the side to clinch a narrow 3-2 victory. Emily Johnson and Yasmin Green scoring in the 2nd half for Netherton. Goals for Ceri Flye, Sofia Castiglione and Jessica Elliot securing the win for Cambridge City A
Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship
Plenty of action to cover in the new single division Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship with 14 of the 15 side in league action. A total of 66 goals scored between them!
Beginning with Cambridge Rangers Women at home to Park Ladies. Both sides recording a 8-0 victory on the opening day to top the early table. Meeting this Sunday, it was Cambridge Rangers who came out on top to make it 2 wins from 2 to start their season. Both Daniella Lewis and Stephanie Rowan scoring twice, Nicky Brewin also on the scoresheet with her 1st goal for the club in a 5-0 victory.
Also making it 2 wins from 2 at the start of the season are Pinchbeck United Ladies, travelling on Sunday to face Hungate Rovers Ladies, 3 players were celebrating their 1st goals of the season at the final whistle with Rebecca Navarette getting off the mark along with captain Chloe Gray with Freya Peters scoring a brace her first goals for the club in a 4-1 win.
Wins are like buses for Burwell Tigers Ladies, you wait ages for one then two come along at once. Have made a fantastic start to the season as they record back to back wins. At home to newcomers Swavesey Spartans Ladies this Sunday. Just the bare 11 available Vicky Murrell scoring a hat-trick to open her account for the season their were goals too for Charlotte Forgarty and Megan Seabrook in a 5-2 win. Stacy Askew scoring both for Swavesey Spartans.
A 3-0 defeat to Pinchbeck United Ladies to start the season for Isleham United Ladies, turned things around in style this Sunday with a big win over new side Isleham United Ladies Youth playing their first match in the Championship. Laura Todd regularly featuring on the scoresheet for Isleham she scored 5 goals on Sunday, a hat-trick for Poppy Green along with first goals for Kay Cooper, Amy Ellis and Kerry Murry seeing the hosts win 11-1.
A big win to mark their debut in the Championship for Newmarket Town Women’s new Development side this Sunday beginning their campaign away to Cambourne United Women. Leah Harper scoring 4 goals for the visitors, their were goal celebrations too for Tixie Allsopp, Evie Jakes, Sarah O’Rourke, Clementine Key and Talia Irvine in a 9-2 victory. Alice Taylor and Michelle Lau on the scoresheet for Cambourne.
High scores elsewhere too on Sunday. Cardea Ladies were beginning their season at home playing Haverhill Rovers Ladies Development. The visitors putting 5 goals into the back of their opponents net with Gemma Codling on target for a brace, goals too for Emma Barnes, Bethany-May Harding and Rachel Jeffs. Despite that Haverhill went home with no points as Cardea were strong in attack also Courtney Coles scoring 4 goals there was also a brace for Anna Langa with Jessica O’Sullivan, Jade Ramm and captain Laura Rudd all getting off the mark to see the game won 9-5.
The final match to bring you in Cambridgeshire this week also another high scoring affair. Deeping United Ladies having started the season with a 2-0 win against Haverhill hosting fellow new comers Eaton Socon Ladies who lost to Burwell on the opening day. Both sides seeing a player on target for 4 goals. Hannah Chapman scoring for Deeping United. Emily Whiteman also celebrating a 4 goal haul for Eaton Socon. Ella Jons scoring her 1st for Deeping. Goals for Hannah Hutchinson, Maddison O’Connor and Jessica Bleakley seeing Eaton Socon win the game 7-5 and collect their 1st win.
This Sunday also saw the 1st Round of the Essex Women’s County Cup competition taking place. 4 ties taking place with the 2nd Round already drawn (details coming up).
It was a close contest between Lawford Ladies from the ERWFL Division One South hosting Essex Premier Division side Frontiers Ladies. The pair both scoring in the first half to see it all square at 1-1 at half-time. Chloe Godleman-Barnum scoring the goal for Frontiers in the 1st half a strike from Amber Strows seeing the visitors taking a 2-1 lead 2nd half. Lawford coming back to level it at 2-2. Daisy Canny and Tess Ryan both on target for their first of the season for Lawford. The game ending in a draw the match to be decided by penalties, success for Frontiers as they won the shootout 3-1 to advance to the 2nd Round.
Elsewhere in the 1st Round of the County Cup their were much larger results, Billericay Town Ladies Reserves competing in the FAWNL Reserves league this season drawn at home to play Division One side Chigwell Ladies. Freya Fuller wearing the captains armband for Billericay helping herself to an impressive total of 8 goals in the match. Hannah Humm and Mya Turner both netting a brace, an unlucky scoreline for Chigwell with Amelie Johnson also scoring for Billericay in a 13-0 win.
Freya Fuller scoring 8 goals for Billericay Town Ladies Reserves (photo credit Nicky Hayes)
Southend United Ladies were away to Division One side Chelmsford City Ladies Reserves in the 1st Round of the County Cup on Sunday. Harriet Hiskett scoring the opening goal for Southend, the Premier Division side getting themselves 2-0 in front as Kate Wiseman’s cross found its way in past the Chelmsford defence. Hiskett on target for her 2nd of the game then Wiseman set up Lily Aungier to score her 1st goal of the season. Southend leading 4-0 at half-time. Hiskett going on to complete her hat-trick. Lily Halliday getting in on the goal scoring action scoring twice to put Southend 7-0 up. Elizabeth Clarke next to score with her first of the campaign soon followed by a 2nd. A wonderful strike from Sophie Lebeze her 1st for the club seeing Southend record a double figure win 10-0.
An all Premier Division clash in the 1st Round of the County Cup saw Beacon Hill Rovers Ladies at home to Collier Row Tigers. Collier Row starting the season well with a 9-1 opening day win in the league. Laura Bunton scoring 5 goals in that match amongst the goals again scoring a hat-trick in the cup. Helen Moreira with a brace and Daisy Cook wit one opening their accounts for the season. Emma Harrison also getting on the scoresheet. Collier Row winning the game 9-0 with Roseanne Shafier opening and finishing the scoring with 2 goals.
Collier Row Women (photo credit Collier Row Women twitter)
The draw for the 2nd Round of the Essex Women’s County Cup
(ties to be played Sunday 20th October kick-off 1:30pm)
Hutton Ladies Reserves v Southend United Ladies
Frontiers Ladies v Leigh Ramblers Ladies
Aveley Ladies v Hutton Ladies
Holland Ladies v Silver End United Ladies
Billericay Town Ladies Reserves v AFC Basildon Women Development
Collier Row Tigers v Rayleigh Town Ladies
Chelmsford City Ladies v Bowers & Pitsea Ladies Development
Leigh Ramblers Ladies Reserves v Billericay Town Ladies Development
Essex Women’s Premier Division
One game in the Essex Women’s Premier Division this Sunday, Chelmsford City Ladies were at home to Silver End United Ladies. The pair both winning their opening league matches last weekend. A close game Chelmsford taking the lead in the 34th minute with Amelia Murphy on target for her first goal for the club. 1-0 up at half-time, Silver End United coming back to level in the 58th minute,Toni-Anne Wayne with the equaliser, Wayne then scoring a worldy to fire the visitors into the lead just 2 minutes later. Wayne’s goals the difference securing the 3 points for Silver End United.
Essex Women’s Division One
Two games played in Essex Women’s Division One this Sunday both featuring the 4 sides that had started the opening weekend with a win. Corringham Cosmos Women dropping down from the Premier Division winning 2-0 at home to Leigh Ramblers Ladies Reserves last weekend were at home again this Sunday hosting Runwell Sports Ladies who themselves had won 8-0 against Tigers Ladies. A close game between the sides Michelle Sumpter scoring for Corringham in the opening 5 minutes added a 2nd goal with 15 minutes left on the clock to see Corringham win the game 2-1. Ashley Debnam on target for the Runwell goal.
A close match too between the other pair to win their opening day fixtures in contrast to their results 7 days ago. Bowers & Pitsea Ladies Development new this season winning 9-1 away to Chelmsford City Ladies Reserves. Aveley Ladies the visitors newly formed themselves playing their part in a 9 goal thriller winning 5-4 away to Chigwell Ladies. Much closer as the two met on Sunday. Aveley capitalising on a slow start by the hosts to get themselves into a 1-0 lead at half-time. A 2nd goal coming in the 2nd half. Bethany Murray and Georgia Palmer with the goals. Bowers & Pitsea pulling one back to set up a tense finish with Lily Wilding scoring, Aveley holding on to their lead to collect the 3 points.
The 2019/20 County Cup competition kicked off in Suffolk this Sunday with 5 ties taking place in the 1st Round. Some county cup competition seeded others not across the country. Suffolk one of those that don’t. That saw current holders Ipswich Town Women drawn out of the hat to play at home to former finalists AFC Sudbury Ladies. Ipswich with a stranglehold on the county cup in recent seasons and with a new crop of U21 talent breaking into the senior sides no sign they are about to give it up. This a new look AFC Sudbury side a young squad going forwards. Sudbury taking an early lead in the match going 1-0 up, Ipswich straight back at them to level the scores inside 5 minutes with Sophie Welton through to make it 1-1. Ipswich going on to take the lead in the 18th minute from an Amanda Crump corner a powerful header from Paige Wakefield on her birthday to make it 2-1. The captain making it 3-1 5 minutes later as Crump lobbed the keeper from outside the box. Sudbury coming back to 3-2 then a poor goal kick intercepted leading to the goal.
All action with not even half an hour played Amy-Leigh Barrett shooting into the far corner to score her 1st senior goal. Another youngster going to to claim her first goals for the club late in the first half with Zoe Barrett netting a 3 minute brace. Time for another goal before half-time with Abrehart scoring her 2nd of the game to see Ipswich 7-2 up at the break. Ipswich dominating towards the end of the 1st half continued where they left of in the 2nd, Lindsey Cooper heading home from a Crump corner on 53 minutes, Crump the unleashing a thunderbolt from distance to make it 9-2. Stoppage time seeing a further two goals added, Wakefield with her 2nd of the match, the final word from Crump completing her hat-trick.
Needham Market Women reached the County Cup final in their debut season last tie out and will be aiming to achieve the same goal this season. Strengthening the squad as they begin life in ERWFL Division One North were at home to Woodbridge Town Ladies in the 1st Round of the competition on Sunday. The hosts leading 2-0 at half-time thanks to a brace from Lina Nagib. Defender Megan Stock heading home to put Needham Market 3-0 up 10 minutes into the 2nd half. On the hour new signing Jodie Sharp found the back of the net for her first Needham Market goal. Laura Brame also joining in the close season fouled inside the box, up to take the spot kick herself her 1st goal will have to wait as she saw her effort saved. Annie Northwood getting in on the goal scoring with 15 minutes left make it 5-0. Woodbridge capitalising from a scramble from a corner to get themselves a goal. Northwood making it 6-1 with her 2nd of the game to see Needham Market safely through to the next round.
Elsewhere in the 1st Round their were convincing wins for Leiston St Margarets at home beating Chantry Grasshoppers 7-0. Whilst on the road AFC Kesgrave Ladies scored 6 without reply against Mildenhall Town Ladies. Bury Town Ladies are also through to the next round of the County Cup with a 3-0 away win against Waveney Ladies.
Suffolk Women’s Division
Three matches played in the Suffolk Women’s Division this Sunday with 3 sides making it a perfect start to the season winning 3 out of 3. Needham Market Women Reserves were at home hosting Holland Ladies, the Essex side making their debut in the league coming up against a side in form scoring plenty of goals too. Lois Balfour scoring a hat-trick for the 3rd successive match. Katie Moore also on target for a brace to see the game won 5-1. Holland’s first goal of the season scored by Lauren Bourne.
Three successive hat-tricks to start the season for Needham Market’s Lois Balfour
Also making a perfect start to the season are Alresford Colne Rangers. A good result this Sunday away to a side likely to be pushing for the top positions themselves Brantham Athletic Ladies. A narrow 1-0 lead for Alresford at half-time proving the difference as both sides netted 2 goals in the 2nd period. Alresford winning 3-2 with Vicky Hall, Danielle Leonard and Jasmine Warner celebrating goals. Lucy Elmes and Maddie Hubbard with the 2nd half strikes for Brantham.
Is a three way tie at the top of the Suffolk Women’s Division with 3 sides all on 9 points although the side in 3rd have yet to kick a ball. Sure Brettvale Ladies would have preferred it to be different as it doesn’t help goal difference but have been awarded 2 home wins and 1 away against their opponents for their opening 3 fixtures.
A baptism of fire for new side Ramsey & Mistley Ladies in their opening two fixtures in the Suffolk Women’s Division. Heavy defeats against Needham Market Women Reserves and Bury Town Ladies. A more encouraging result this weekend despite losing, were at home taking on fellow newcomers Henley Athletic Ladies playing their first competitive match of the season after forfeiting their opening two fixtures. An evenly contested match Henley Athletic getting their noses in front, Ramsey & Mistley coming back to level the scores through a long range strike from Ashleigh Mean. Two late goals for the visitors seeing them secure their 1st 3 points of the season. Molly Curran, Amy Gilson and Megan Tucker all celebrating their first goal for Henley Athletic.
10 of the 11 sides in action this Sunday in Norfolk Women’s Division One as we enter the 2nd weekend of the season. Bungay Town Ladies looking strong at the start of the season. Their squad strengthened are scoring plenty of goals. Unbeaten in pre-season taking that form into the Women’s FA Cup and then the league itself beginning with a 10-0 win over Fakenham Town Ladies last Sunday were at home this weekend hosting newly promoted Freethorpe Ladies. Leanne Smith in hot goal scoring form right now 8 goals in her last two matches scored another 4 this Sunday against Freethorpe. Selina Rowland and Charlotte Power both getting on the scoresheet too in a comfortable 6-0 win.
Also making it two wins from two to start the season are Thorpe United Ladies, the defending champions beating newly promoted Long Stratton Women 9-1 on the opening day at home to Sprowston Ladies who themselves won well on the opening day beating Thetford Town Ladies 7-0. A much closer game between the pair with Thorpe United leading 1-0 at half-time. That goal crucial as both scored twice in the 2nd period seeing Thorpe clinch a 3-2 victory. Sophie Jermy, Alice Ladbrooke and Rebekah Lake with the Thorpe goals. Victoria Leyer, Sprowston’s top scorer last season with both the goals for the visitors.
A 100% winning start to the season too for newly promoted Tavern Ladies, the Dereham based side beginning the season with a 2-1 win away to Sprowston Athletic Ladies. Were at home this weekend on Scarning Playing Fields taking on last season’s Division Two Champions, Taverham United Ladies. The young side winning the title in their debut season, Taverham sat out the opening weekend. Now making their Division One bow, Tavern have goals in their side the primary sources last season Atlanta Griffith and Katie Hart-Copsey who reached 50 goals. Both were on target this weekend with a goal each enough to beat Taverham 2-1 to collect another 3 points. Rebecca Sutton scoring her first of the season for Taverham.
Both losing their opening game of the season Thetford Town Ladies newly promoted were hosting Sprowston Athletic Ladies in Division One on Sunday. Both looking for their first points of the season Thetford Town got themselves into a 3-1 lead with Laura Martins on target for a brace along with a goal for Kerri Griffiths. Sprowston Athletic coming back to win the game in the 2nd half scoring 4 more to win the game 5-3. Rachel Bussey opening her account with a hat-trick, Kate Morris scoring her first goals on the season on target for a brace.
Losing 9-1 on their return to Division One against champions Thorpe United on the opening day Long Stratton Women were away to Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves this Sunday who had begun the season wit a 2-0 win against Freethorpe Ladies. Long Stratton with a better performance this time around coming away with the 3 points winning the game 4-1 with goals for Samantha Walker, Beth Stratton, Charlie Head and Megan Champion. Rebecca Carver scoring the Wymondham goal.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
Two matches played in Norfolk Women’s Division Two this Sunday with two new sides making their league debut. Norfolk Walsham Angels Ladies returning to the women’s game after the previous side folded at the end of the 2017/18 season. A new look Angels side beginning the new campaign a youthful side they were away to Red Rose Ladies also new to the league this season. A 5-1 loss against Mulbarton in their first game in the league, Red Rose found North Walsham equally tough opponents as the visitors started life in Division Two with a 7-1 win. No info as yet on the North Walsham goalscorers.
North Walsham Angles Ladies 2019/20 (photo credit North Walsham Angels twitter)
Also making their Division Two bow were Thorpe United Ladies new Reserves side. The club having formed at youth level and grown with a strong woman’s side winning the Division One title a Reserves side will be a huge asset to the club going forwards and add to it’s continued growth. Horsford Women their opponents the visitors only formed last season themselves a tough debut campaign a narrow 2-1 defeat to Stalham Town Ladies to start their season. The pair drawing 1-1 at the break it was Horsford who were celebrating their first win of the season at the final whistle clinching a 2-1 win Robyn Nash and Ella Wright the goalscorers. Very early days yet with only two sides having played two matches and Waveney Ladies and Hockering Ladies yet to begin in the league.
A 100% winning start to the season saw Luton Town Ladies top of the fledgling ERWFL Premier Division table with 3 wins out of 3 as they look to bounce back following relegation from the FAWNL last season. A long trip up to Norfolk this Sunday to take on Wymondham Town Ladies. Something of a kit clash between the pair the first half ending in stalemate 0-0. More eventful 2nd half Wymondham making a great start taking the lead on 50 minutes with Chelsea Clarke scoring direct from a corner. 2 minutes later Wymondham were 2-0 up new signing Cassie Craddock putting the ball on for captain Hannah Waters to shoot a score across the keeper. Luton responding with a quick reply pulling it back to 2-1 straight away netting from a corner. The visitors salvaging a point 10 minutes from time to see the game end 2-2 Zara Carroll and Rebecca Ferris the goalscorers.
Wymondham Town Ladies, Hannah Waters
Luton dropping two points sees their winning start end and a new leader at the top of the table as Essex side Harlow Town Ladies take over on difference. Ironically their points dropped so far were away to Wymondham too on the opening day of the season. Have since won 3 on the bounce making a fantastic start to the season, bringing in several new players over the close season have added experience and goals to their ranks. At home to AFC Dunstable Women this Sunday goals from Lucy Edmeades, Amy Nash & Kaydee King helping Harlow to a 7-1 win. Also on target were Nicole Farmer with her 1st Harlow goal, Hannah Porter also scoring her 1st goals for the club netting twice. With Becky Shephard another new addition scoring her 8th goal of the season. Louise McCay with the consolation goal for AFC Dunstable.
10 points each for Harlow and Luton at the top of the Premier Division, tight at the top as 3 sides jostle for position just a point behind. Royston Town Women nudging ahead on goal difference into 3rd spot as they extend their winning streak to 3 matches in league and cup. Were away to Hertfordshire rivals Colney Heath Ladies this Sunday, both sides with a good start to the season, injuries affecting Colney Heath last time out were again hit by an injury with defender Kelly Glynn suffering ligament damage. Goals from Charlotte South and a brace from Rebecca Vass seeing Royston leading 3-0 going into the final 15 minutes of the match. Samiara Khan pulling it back to 3-1 for Colney Heath. Sammy Tinsley scoring to secure a 4-1 victory to Royston.
An off day for Wroxham Women at home to Harlow Town Ladies last Sunday they were looking to bounce back this weekend once again at home taking on St Ives Town Ladies, the newly promoted side still looking for their first points of the season. Wroxham making a great start to the game Grace Birchall onto the end of a long clearance to strike home from 18 yards. 6 minutes later Wroxham were 2-0 up, Birchall on the scoresheet once again brought down 30 yards out scoring from the resulting free-kick. A minute later it was 3, Mary-Anne Hoy latching onto a sliced clearance out wide firing the ball back in on the angle to score her 1st of the season. Wroxham 3-0 up at the break continued to dominate in the 2nd period and despite being reduced to 10 after Rhianne Brister was sent off for collecting two yellows the hosts when on to add 3 more goals in the final 20 minutes a 2nd half hat-trick for Birchall adding to the 2 she scored first half putting her on 9 for the season. Paige Jones scoring a late goal for St Ives Town her 1st of the season nothing but a consolation.
Joining Royston and Wroxham on 9 points are newly promoted Bowers & Pitsea Ladies. This despite suffering a heavy defeat to the hands of Harlow their only loss to date however as they record a 3rd league win this Sunday at home to Haringey Borough Women. Meagan Harley firing a shot into the bottom corner to put the Essex side into the lead. A 30 rocket struck by Danielle Styles off a free-kick doubling the lead. 2-0 up at half-time Bowers & Pitsea went 3-0 up courtesy of Danni Jennings running from halfway taking on three players to send the ball home. Harley putting a shot into the roof of the net making it 4-0. Jennings too scoring a brace to see the game won 5-0.
Peterborough Northern Star Ladies also victorious this weekend are in 7th spot in the Premier Division table but just 3 points behind the leaders. An away trip to Bedford Ladies this Sunday, Leah Cudone celebrating her birthday early by scoring a brace for the visitors with Gabrielle Smith also scoring her 1st goal for the club Peterborough running out 3-1 winners. Mathilda Fidler on the scoresheet for Bedford.
ERWFL Division One North
Has been something of the slow start to the league campaigns in both the ERWFL Division One North and South this season, cup games taking priority at the start of the season on most cases 5 of the 16 sides competing in both division still to get off the mark. Two games in Division One North this Sunday. Newly promoted East Bergholt United Ladies one of the few to have actually played a league match prior to this weekend top after a 7-1 win away to fellow promoted side Gorleston Ladies. This weekend they were at home looking to make it 2 wins from two as they took no Cambridgeshire side Histon Ladies. The hosts taking an early lead Jessica Clark on the run striking from 35 yards putting her shot over the keeper on 7 minutes. Histon competing hard looking for a reply efforts narrowly wide one striking the bar. East Bergholt holding their 1-0 advantage heading into the final 15 minutes made thing’s more comfortable Charlotte McGrath finding space to shoot and find the bottom corner from 15 yards out. East Bergholt winning 2-0.
Also marking their ERWFL debut with a win are Cambridge City Ladies Development. A tough test to start the campaign away to King’s Lynn Town Ladies. A closely fought 1st half Cambridge City coming closest with Carla Penny striking the post. The dead lock broken just before half-time Penny finding the back on the net this time from 18 yards out. The visitors defending a slender lead began the 2nd half well adding another goal Freya Standing volleying in to make it 2-0. King’s Lynn battling back pulling it back to 2-1 with captain Becky Russell scoring from a free-kick. Cambridge City hitting King’s Lynn on the counter to score a 3rd, Bella Simmons carrying the ball out of defence setting up Standing to score her 2nd of the game to see Cambridge City win their league opener 3-1.
ERWFL Division One South
The ERWFL can be a brutal league at times and feature some eye watering scorelines, this weekend no exception in Division One South. Stevenage FC Women Development having started their season with a 6-0 win over Hoddesdon Tow Owls Ladies, were at home to Bishops Stortford Ladies this weekend. The host were short on numbers with just 10 available. Up against a Stevenage side that could name five on the bench. Several additions to the Stevenage squad over the summer, young exciting talent added to an already experienced bunch the hosts proving too strong with no less than 7 players opening their goals account. Paige Prior on her debut scoring 5! Lucy Bolitho scoring 4, Rebecca Brooker on target for a brace there were 1st goals too for Louise Godden Louise Sollis, Danielle Ransom and Sherrie Evans. Sofia Carpenter on target for a hat-trick, Emily Schofield and Chloe Gunn also getting goals in a crushing 20-1 win. Georgia Sleep scoring the Bishops Stortford goal.
A tough start to the season too for Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies losing their opening league fixture were away to new side Millwall Lionesses making their league bow this weekend. Ellis Lunn getting Millwall off to a flyer scoring in the opening 5 minutes was celebrating a hat-trick before 20 minutes. Katie Klosinski making it 4-0 in 21 minutes. Millwall dominating early on. 5 more goals to the hosts before half-time. Lunn adding 2 more to her tally. Klosinski with her 2nd along with goals for Molly Hawkins and captain Emily Stanley. Millwall ruthless leading 9-0 at half-time. Shannan Drewe bringing up a 10th goal for Millwall 5 minutes into the 2nd period the hosts awarded a penalty, Drewe on target from the spot. A lull in play then with no more goals added until the final 10 minutes with Hawkins scoring twice to celebrate a hat-trick. Millwall winning 12-0.
Amongst the goals Ellis Lunn scoring 5 for Millwall Lionesses (photo credit Millwall Lionesses)
Hutton Ladies began their ERWFL Division One South campaign at home to the same opponents they faced last Sunday in the League Cup, Leigh Ramblers Ladies. Hutton beating the newly promoted side 7-1 then. Another win for Hutton this Sunday the 3 points coming courtesy of a 4-0 win. Last season’s runaway top scorer Vicky Kinsman scoring a brace there were goals too for Sally Appleton ad Hayley Piggott with her first of the season.
Crawley Wasps Ladies had opened up a 6 point lead at the top of the Southern Premier Division making a perfect start following promotion from South East Division One last season winning 4 out of 4. Just 2 sides remaining without a loss Oxford United Women the other albeit they have played just the one game so far this season and once more weren’t in league action this Sunday.
Crawley were at home this Sunday taking on Watford Ladies the sides not giving much away it was a goalless first 45 minutes. The dead lock finally broken on the hour as Ryah Vyse put captain Adekite Fatuga-Dada through to send the ball home to make it 1-0. The visitors going on to double their lead 7 minutes later from a set-piece Annie Meirwald getting her head on the ball inside the box to score her 1st goal for the club. The game entering the final 15 minutes Crawley winning a set-piece of their own captain Naomi Cole playing the ball into the box Ellie Russell there to bundle it in to make it 2-1. Watford introducing Katie O’Leary to the action on 77 minutes the attacker on target to score a 3rd goal for Watford with 8 minutes left on the clock to see them win the game 3-1 and end Crawley’s winning start to the season.
That result sees the chasing pack close the gap to the early leaders. A big South West derby game saw 3rd placed Plymouth Argyle Ladies hosting 2nd placed Yeovil Town Women. Both on 6 points it was a tight first half between the sides with few chances created. Plymouth with the narrow advantage taking the lead through a Rebecca Dandridge goal on 34 minutes. Plymouth enjoying a great start to the 2nd period, Dandridge scoring her 2nd of the game 4 minutes after the restart to make it 2-0. The hosts scoring a 3rd goal with Jessie Jones netting on 57 minutes. The result put beyond doubt midway through the 2nd half with Natasha Knapman scoring two quickfire goal to put Plymouth 5-0 up. A late consolation for Yeovil coming with 3 minutes left captain Annie Heatherson with the goal. Plymouth moving into 2nd winning 5-1, other results seeing Yeovil drop to 5th.
A tough start to the season for Chichester City Ladies young squad as they look to rebuild following a number of departure over the summer. Losing their opening 4 games were hosting Cardiff City Ladies who after losing on the opening day were looking to make it 3 wins on the bounce in the league. The visitors creating plenty of chances in the first half, they finally got a goal late in the half an excellent solo effort from Grace Horrell on 41 minutes to make t 1-0. Again frustrated by Chichester in the 2nd half Cardiff eventually doubling their lead with 18 minutes left on the clock a 1st Cardiff goal for 16-year-old Carrie Jones. Cardiff in 3rd also on 9 points winning 2-0.
A fantastic crowd of 1002 turned out to the Stadium MK to watch Milton Keynes Dons Women play at home for the first time this season. Were taking on bottom side Hounslow Women who like Chichester had lost their opening 3 games of the season. Hounslow battling hard to frustrate Milton Keynes Dons the hosts managing to break the stale mate late in the first half attacking down the right the cross swung into the area Kim Farrow with the bullet header to score in the 42nd minute. Hounslow working hard to find a way back into the game Sydney Hinchcliffe striking from the edge of the box sending the ball past the keeper to equalise and see Hounslow win their first point of the season taking them off the bottom of the table.
FAWNL Cup
A handful of ties this Sunday taking place in the Preliminary Round’s of both the FAWNL Cup and Plate competitions. One of those in the Cup saw Portsmouth FC Women drawn at home to play Gillingham Ladies. The sides contesting a goalless 1st half the opening goal coming early in the first half, Laura Ingram running forwards to pressure the goalkeeper the ball striking the attacking rebounding back into the goal to give Ingram her 1st Portsmouth goal. Gillingham awarded a penalty on the hour. Ellie manning composed from the spot to equalise. The visitors then getting themselves into a 2-1 lead. 15 minutes left Portsmouth attacking Jade Widdows on the left letting loose a strike from distance a fantastic strike to make it 2-2. The game ending all square Portsmouth seeing a 2nd successive cup match going to extra-time. Once again victorious however with Charmaine True scoring the winning goal. A corner floated into the box in the 2nd period of extra play a scramble ensuing True with the telling touch to see the ball over the line.
FAWNL South East Division One
FAWNL South East Division One leaders Billericay Town Ladies travelled up to Norfolk from Essex to play Norwich City Women at the weekend. Norwich’s Plantation Park unavailable the game played at Fakenham Town FC’s, Clipbush Park ground. The visitors taking the lead from a set-piece a free-kick awarded on the edge of the box Zoe Rushen lifting her shot up past the wall and keeper into the goal beyond to make it 1-0. The visitors going 2-0 up from a corner kick the ball fired into the area from the left knocked down Rushen unmarked six yards out able to turn and strike in her 2nd of the game. Billericay leading 3-0 at half-time their 3rd goal also from a corner. Captain Lindsey Morgan up central to power the header in. Billericay on top into the 2nd half the lead further extended with Therese Addison picking up the ball at the top of the area her initial effort blocked the attacker retaining possession battling her way into the area before firing in her 1st goal for the club. Addison quickly bringing up her 2nd goal. Rushen stealing the ball from the defence on the right combining with Rodney before putting the cross in central for Addison to score. Billericay staying 3 points in front at the top of the table wining 5-0.
Therese Addison scoring her 1st goals for Billericay Town Ladies at the weekend (photo credit Nicky Hayes).
A host off sides in the chasing pack behind, all still unbeaten, Leyton Orient WFC climbing into 2nd winning away from home on Sunday beating Stevenage FC Women. Otesha Charles scoring on the half hour to see the visitors 1-0 up at half-time. Two quick goals midway through the first half ensuring the 3 points with Connie Montiel-McCann scoring to make it 2-0 her goal quickly followed by a 2nd of the match for Charles. Stevenage pulling it back to 3-1 with captain Amy Makewell scoring the hosts losing their last 3.
AFC Wimbledon Ladies are up amongst those chasing leaders Billericay in 5th spot maintaining their unbeaten start to the season, coming back for a 2-0 deficit at half-time to earn a point away to AFC Basildon Ladies on Sunday despite missing a penalty. Basildon taking the lead in the 20th minute with Holly Turner striking from outside the box. Kelly Wealthall doubling the Essex sides lead just before the break. Wimbledon with a chance to pull a goal back early in the 2nd period as they won a penalty in the 49th minute. The spot kick however missed. Closing in on the hour Wimbledon did pull it back to 2-1 with Helen Ogle on target. Elizabeth Berkerley on in the 2nd half for Wimbledon scoring her first goal for the club with 18 left to earn the visitors a point.
Actonians Ladies were hosting Cambridge United WFC in the league on Sunday. The visitors taking an early lead with captain Kelley Blanchflower striking to make it 1-0. That the score at half-time Actonians were back on level terms early in the 2nd half due to an unfortunate own goal. Actonians then hitting their opponents with two quick goals inside the closing 20 minutes to win the 3 points. Caroline Bisson scoring to make it 2-1 with her 4th since joining the club with last season’s top scorer Alessandra Barreca hitting her 3rd of the new season a few minutes later to see the game won 3-1.
First taste of county league action this season and we begin in Cambridgeshire a game from the Women’s Premiership, March Town United Ladies v ICA Sports Ladies.
The 3rd weekend in a row a side from Peterborough has featured in a match report. ICA Sports Ladies the visitors this time around. An large influx of new sides entering the county leagues in Cambridgeshire this season sees the Premiership swell from 8 to 13 sides with a new single division Championship consisting of 15 sides.
March Town United Ladies one of the sides sitting out the opening weekend, begin their campaign this Sunday, now an established side in the Premiership finishing comfortably in what proved to be a competitive tussle in mid-table. Now part of a 13 strong Premiership alot more football to be played 6 new sides those promoted starting well March will be looking to make an impact.
A runners-up finish in the Premiership for ICA Sports Ladies last season, competing within the Peterborough area a hotbed for women’s football, the club both male and female has a very strong youth section always looking to bring players through. Like March well established in the league will be aiming to be as competitive as last season push for the top end of the table. Started their season with a win, although only just letting a 6-2 lead at home to Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds slips to clinch it 6-5 at the final whistle.
Didn’t get to see either side in action last season, and it has been a while since I’ve visited March Town United Ladies, GER Sportsground. Boasts the 2nd oldest wooden football stand in existence set back from the pitch, the venue having hosted greyhound racing in the past. A new clubhouse leading into the ground on one corner, the bar and kitchen open for hot drinks. An historic ground, a good sized pitch. A hot and humid day, close with some cloud cover, the sun hot when it breaks through.
March Town United Ladies starting XI – Toni Sharpe, Kayleigh Churchyard, Megan Webb, Louise Billingham, Claire Newton, Megan Tombs, Alexis Waters, Adele Munday (C), Emma Searle, Abigail Grist & Eleanor McLeish. Subs- Naomi McGarvie.
ICA Sports Ladies starting XI – Claire Knibbs, Cara Clarke, Jessica Farchica, Becky Shields (C), Sophie Antonucci, Zoe Leddy, Hannah Murphy, Sarah Rouse, Donna Nicholls, Piper Hebditch & Carmen Herridge. Subs – Tessa Morrison.
(roll on roll off substitutes)
Both sides short of numbers naming just 1 substitute each, players unavailable and missing through injury. ICA Sports without their goalkeeper, Claire Knibbs donning the gloves. ICA Sports opting to switch ends at the coin toss with the high sun a factor facing down on one goal. March to get the game underway wearing yellow shirts, black shorts and socks. ICA Sports lined up opposite wearing blue shirts and shorts with blue and white hooped socks. The visitors press from the off forcing a throw left the ball put up the line Donna Nicholls fresh from scoring an opening day hat-trick bursting forwards putting the March defence under pressure gets inside to let loose a shot from 30 yards out her attempt well wide.
March bring the ball out fro the back Megan Tombs left and Abigail Grist right making runs wide looking for the crossfield pass, the ball played left Tombs bringing it down is challenged by Cara Clarke possession regained for ICA Sports. March win the ball back central forwards with Eleanor McLeish coming inside from the left taking aim from outside the area her shoot low gathered by Knibbs. March with another crossfield pass find Grist breaking in behind right side taking the ball to the byline her cross cut out by Sophie Antonucci for the first corner of the game.
Abigail Grist attacking for March Town United Ladies
GOAL! An early goal as ICA Sports break from March’s corner kick the ball cleared up-field Nicholls racing away clear on the left drives in field towards the area, the March defence racing to get back plays in central to Carman Herridge, wants to return it to Nicholls but is closed down instead has a 2nd option racing up to support Hannah Murphy receiving the lay off 25 yards out connecting well to fire in a shot past goalkeeper Toni Sharpe before she can set herself. 0-1.
Hannah Murphy (right) opening the scoring for ICA Sports Ladies
ICA Sports leading within the opening 5 minutes are looking sharp early on breaking quickly Sarah Rouse breaking up a March attack, Nicholls frustrated as she goes a fraction to early the flag raised against her as Murphy central looks to put it on over the top for her. March captain Adele Munday getting hold of the ball looks to carry it through the middle her determined run ended by Rouse.
GOAL! The visitors quickly find themselves race into a 2 goal lead. Nicholls a real threat attacking on the left gets away in behind this time pace on the ball travelling into the box left side into the six yard box time to way up her options players racing in central opens up her body to shoot a close range, the ball finding it’s way through the goalkeepers legs as she shapes to block. 0-2.
Donna Nicholls doubles the lead for ICA Sports Ladies
A great start for ICA Sports 2 goals to the good inside 10 minutes looking lively the ball won high up the pitch play turned around quickly forcing their opponents into rushing their passes. Murphy brought down central 30 yards out players forwards as Nicholls stands over the set piece into the area, headed clear, March unable to break ICA Sports straight back at them, the pass into Nicholls her ball forwards long. March struggling to get any sustained possession early on. A change for ICA Sports Piper Hebditch has taken a slight knock on the right, Tessa Morrison coming on.
Carmen Herridge holding the ball up
Murphy attacking for ICA Sports right channel on for Herridge takes the ball on into the area Louise Billingham going with her for March the centre back winning the challenge, the ball gathered by Morrison wide right her cross long across the box Nicholls on it far side shapes to shoot across the keeper, Sharpe with an excellent save throwing out a glove to push the ball away. A slight delay then as for the 2nd week running somebody as left a present on the pitch the duty of clearing it up once again falling to the manager. An appropriate time for a drinks break is hot out there (enjoy it while it lasts).
ICA Sports on the front foot again from the restart Murphy seeing Nicholls making her move left sides aiming to put the ball over the top, too close to the keeper this time. Munday looks to get things going for March through the middle a strong run forwards Clarke stays with her as they head for the box, Munday getting a shot away 25 yards out runs wide of the goal. ICA Sports caught offside March defender Claire Newton on the free-kick plays a fantastic ball into her opponents half in front of the area Munday bringing it down into the feet of fellow midfielder Emma Searle she lifts a shot over the bar from 25 yards out.
March finding their feet growing into the game but ICA Sports remain a threat ready to break on the counter should they commit too many forwards. The ball cleared by the March defence after a spell of head tennis in the final third, Murphy free 35 yards out meeting it on the volley aiming to lob the keeper her strike dropping short safely caught by Sharpe. March make a change Naomi McGarvie coming on for Billingham, the substitution seeing Alexis Waters drop into the back line.
March Town United Ladies captain, Adele Munday
Munday back helping her defence as Nicholls looks to put the ball over the top for Herridge running central. Waters winning the race to the ball getting a vital touch inside the area to clear for a corner as Murphy looks to get on through the middle. The ball from the corner put in near side met by an ICA Sports head turned goalwards dropping straight at Sharpe on her line cleanly gathered.
Megan Webb brought down getting forwards on the right for March the free-kick 30 yards out Searle over in floated into the area near post, Jessica Farchica tracking the runner to clear behind for a corner. The initial ball cleared back to the corner taker a 2nd cross fired in central into McGarvie back to goal attempts to control and turn to shoot closed down before she can. March enjoying a period of possession within the ICA Sports final 3rd Munday linking up with Searle, another free-kick given on the right deeper this time Newton forwards to take a fine delivery to the back post a March head meeting it falls wide of the post six yards out. Grist winning a corner right ICA Sports defend Herridge on it looking to break central is obstructed by Waters referee Ian Reynolds awarding the free-kick
GOAL! From the resulting free-kick ICA Sports go on to extend their lead Nicholls over it players forwards into the ball a good floated ball in central captain Becky Shields rising highest to meet it her header taking the ball out to the left where Murphy has strayed unmarked to collect and blast a shot in across the keeper 0-3.
ICA Sports remain sharp as the first half draws to a close another free-kick given on half-way the ball up towards the top of the area defended by Webb for March. ICA Sports keeping possession right Morrison playing it into the area the March defence stepping out well to leave Herridge offside. Searle with a powerful run on the ball through the middle for March Farchina on her shoulder 20 yards out does enough as the midfielder shoots does get the touch she wanted the ball tame as it is gathered by Knibbs.
Moments left in the first period Nicholls alert running in central catches Newton in possession outside the area takes the ball on Sharpe running out to meet her, Nicholls touch taking the ball wide of the advancing keeper momentum taking her wide of goal as she enters the six yard box, Newton haring back to get on the goal line Nicholls again weighing up the options as Sharpe back to closes the angle, Nicholls has Herridge steaming in lays the ball into her path 3 yards out central an opening goal begging manages to send the ball running wide across the face out beyond the far post.
Half-time March Town United Ladies 0-3 ICA Sports Ladies
The end to an otherwise dominant first half from ICA Sports, an early lead quickly doubled seeing them on the front foot. Preventing March getting any momentum going closing the ball down well, Hebditch and Nicholls looking to break wide in support of Herridge through the middle, Murphy with some excellent runs to with Rouse and Luddy protecting in midfield. March struggling to get up to the pace of the game, Munday and Searle trying to get things going through the middle, Knibbs though largely untested so far. Alot for March to do if they want to get anything from the game.
Adele Munday and Sophie Antonucci going to win the ball
Changes for both sides at the start of the 2nd half, Hebditch back on, playing right. Billingham back on to at left back in place of Webb. ICA Sports to get the 2nd half underway. Attacking left Munday across to win the ball back the ball played long to Tombs pushing on down the left she plays another crossfield pass long for Grist attacking right down to the corner finds her way inside Antonucci to play the ball with the outside of her boot across the six yard box, McGarvie meeting it in the middle under challenge fires the ball wide across goal.
March Town United Ladies, Claire Newton
A positive start to the 2nd half from March sees a sot fired over from distance. Newton defending at the back chasing back with Nicholls as she looks to get onto the ball. Nicholls remains a threat on the left holding the ball up, Newton and Billingham doubling up on her, she ducks inside to lift a cross into the box the flag up against Hebditch on the right. Munday with a strong challenge getting the ball on for March to Grist right side looking to take the ball on checks back to square across the top of the area with McGarvie making a run so too Rouse in front of her intercepting.
Newton and Sarah Rouse collide
March looking better at the start of the 2nd half, ICA Sports though with a 3 goal lead can sit back a little. Murphy still prepared to get forwards attacking right shooting from 25 yards out the ball wide at the near post. Rouse putting the ball on from a throw inside her half up to Murphy she see Nicholls ready to go right the flag up against her a close call but just too soon.
GOAL! March pull a goal back from an free-kick given against ICA Sports inside their own half, Newton on it plays another good delivery in towards the top of the area the ball knocked down central collected by Searle controls moves across the D to the right shift before unleashing a shot put across the keeper strikes the inside of the far post and nestles inside the back of the net 1-3.
Emma Searle pulls it back to 3-1 for March Town United Ladies
The game more competitive between the pair now March matching ICA Sports earlier intensity. A push in the back spotted against Herridge ICA Sports with a free-kick wide right, Nicholls sends it deep Murphy with a late run, getting onto the end of it her touch pushing it out from her feet puts her shot wide across the face of goal. ICA Sports starting to pick up the pace slow at the start of the first half push players on Luddy getting forwards into a shooting position outside the box 20 yards out fires the ball straight into the keeper.
Billingham kept busy by Nicholls on the wing the ICA Sports attacker not finding it so easy to get away 2nd half, far from out of it however. A drop ball as Murphy plays the ball against the back of the referees head trying to launch it forwards. Drop ball not contested this season Shields sends it forwards for Murphy having run up field left side into the box Tombs defends conceding the corner.
Combination play on the right between Nicholls and Hebditch on the right before a shot comes fizzing in across the six yard box Sharpe down smartly to push the ball away out to the left, ICA Sports keeping possession the ball flung in headed clear drops to Farchica 25 yards out her attempt back in falling wide of the mark. Lively now the sun hidden by clouds cooling things down. The March defence drawn to the ball a miscued clearance playing it on for Herridge allows the striker to set Nichols away in behind Billingham, Newton does well to get across a tackle to clear for a corner. The delivery long cleared at the far post.
GOAL! ICA Sports restore their 3 goal lead a throw inside their own half put forwards well by Rouse up to Herridge in attack opens her body to spread play wide left with the ever lively Nicholls bursting forwards clear to race on into the area closing in on goal send her strike in low Sharpe down can’t get there in time as it evades her to cross the line 1-4.
Donna Nicholls scores to restore ICA Sports 3 goal lead
A drinks break called changes made with Webb back on in place of Churchyard for March and Morrison back on for ICA Sports replacing Hebditch. Grist’s clearance over the clubhouse the ball lost on the road beyond. Grist taking the new ball forwards down the right covering plenty of grass into the corner doing well to win a corner.
ICA Sports Ladies, Sarah Rouse
GOAL! From the corner March score again comes in near side towards the top of the area defended but sliced on across the top of the D, Searle meeting it left 20 out hits it hard and straight through bodies finds its way in 2-4. 15 minutes left to play.
Nicholls brought down attacking left right on the edge of the area. Taking the free-kick the ball lifted in across goal safe in the hands of Sharpe, March look to counter quickly the ball carried over half way by Munday forwards for McLeish, Shields getting across her as the pair enter the area to safely marshal it back to her keeper. Newton stepping forwards out of the defence well intercepts as Nicholls aims to thread a ball through the middle for Herridge. Herridge herself attacking top of the area receiving the pass from Murphy finds herself crowded off the ball by Waters and Webb.
ICA Sports upping their intensity once again as they push on late on the game winning a corner on the right put into the box headed towards goal cleared off the line by Newton I think. Herridge after a long ball sent forwards on the right wing collects on the byline the game stretched players out of position Nicholls coming in field clear at the top of the area, Billingham recovers in the nick of time to race across to lung in and intercept the ball. Grist coming off for March with Churchyard back on.
GOAL! ICA Sports score a 5th goal late in the game counter with the ball up to Nicholls left beating the offside trap plays the diagonal ball into the box for Herridge providing the run right of the D, she shoots early putting the ball across the keeper and into the bottom corner.
March look for an immediate reply Searle fouled brought down central as she and Munday combine well again in attack. The set-piece 25 yards out McLeish to take, doesn’t get the height on the shot to trouble Knibbs. Into the final 5 minutes. Murphy stealing in behind the March defence on the right shoots over the bar. ICA attack Antonucci getting forwards with Rouse played inside to Luddy in to attack, Waters challenging, Luddy gets a 2nd bite shooting across goal, Sharpe down pushing the ball wide collected right Morrison sends a strike back in cannons off the bar. ICA Sports ending the game on the front foot as the final whistle blows.
Full time March Town United Ladies 2-5 ICA Sports Ladies
Two wins from two for ICA Sports Ladies sees them topping the table albeit very early in the season. Played well on the front foot early 2-0 up inside the opening 10 minutes adding a 3rd goal before half-time. Pressing well, looking to turn play around quickly with willing runners in attack, Rouse and Luddy confident in front of defence. March struggling in the first half in contrast on the back foot going in 3 down at half-time. Responded well 2nd period the game opening up competitive all over the pitch 2 goals pulled back. ICA Sports always lively on the counter biding their time scoring 2 more goals as play became stretched.
Women’s Football East – Player of the Match
Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award. A few contenders but in the end in came down to two. Hannah Murphy linking up the midfield and attack well passing wide with options available and making some good runs herself to get into scoring positions scoring 2 goals. Ahead of her though is Donna Nicholls, lively right from the first minute looking to get in behind and drive at goal, scoring 2 goals herself clinical and a danger when taking a free-kick.
An enjoyable first county league game to start the season, glad to have caught up with both sides, have no doubt the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership will be highly competitive this season. My thanks to both teams for the team details today always appreciated.
The last one of the week but certainly not least, just because it’s the shortest this weekends action from the Suffolk Women’s Division beating the rest of the county leagues to it starting last weekend there were 3 fixtures played this Sunday with some eye watering scorelines.
Needham Market Women starting up a new Reserves side this season began with and 11-1 win. Now I’ve had a chance to see the squads for both sides, there 1st team winning 9-1 in their opening fixture in the ERWFL Cup it’s safe to say Needham Market’s Reserve side will be strong in the Suffolk Women’s Division. Were at home to Chantry Grasshoppers Ladies this Sunday racked up another huge win with 4 players going on to claim a hat-trick, Lois Balfour, Hannah Cobbold, Katie Moore and Abbie Wilkinson. Leading 7-0 at half-time went on to win 16-0 with Amy Trenter, Taylor May Cooke and Ashleigh Goddard also scoring.
That though wasn’t the highest score of the weekend as Bury Town Ladies demolished newcomers Ramsey & Mistley Ladies… 22-0! A tough start to life for Ramsey & Mistley coming up against a very experienced side, Bury Town formerly Walsham Le Willows adding Kirsten Hutchings to their squad, she was on target for 4 goals alone along with Holly Turbill. Top scorer however goes to Julie Brind with a double hat-trick. Mia Bambury scoring a hat-trick with a brace each for Helen Cryer and Kirsty Pollard. Stacey Roper also scoring.
Just to prove close games do happen the final game of the weekend to bring you feature Alresford Colne Rangers at home to Leiston St Margarets both sides starting the season with a win two goals for Georgia Egner saw Alresford edge out their opponents 2-1 to collect the 3 points. Lucy Eagles scoring the goal for Leiston St Margarets.
The opening weekend action comes thick and fast with leagues expanding in size the Beds & Herts Women’s Football League seeing 31 sides this season competing once again across 3 divisions. Plenty of goals scored on the opening weekend too in what has always proved to be a competitive league at all levels, sure that will prove to be the case once again this season.
With the increase in size teams are promoted up the tables into higher leagues, 4 making the step up to Division One this season, with Royston Town Women Development and Letchworth Garden City Eagles joining last season’s Champions Hitchin Belles and runners-up Hitchin Town Ladies. Sadly we have lost Sharnbrook WFC, whilst Sherrardswood Ladies and Garston Ladies Vintage Purples are relegated. Welwyn Pegasus Sapphires become Hartham United Ladies.
4 matches to start the season, with defending Champions Hemel Hempstead Town Ladies beginning at home to Hitchin Belles. Hemel Hempstead were strong last season and will certainly be the team to beat this time around to. Were strong in their opening fixture to win the match 8-2 with Bianca Hedgecock top scoring with 5 goals. Natasha McConville also getting on the scoresheet along with Amy Bentell and Kaila Merridan. Emily Field with both strikes for Hitchin Belles.
Top though after the opening fixtures are St Albans Ladies as they scored 7 without reply at home to Garston Ladies (1st team) on the opening day. Formerly Garston’s 2nd XI they finished ahead of their club mates to see the sides changing names ahead of the new season with separate twitter accounts to save confusion for the likes of myself. Not the start to the new season they wanted however as St Albans were dominant 4-0 up at half-time added 3 more goals late in the match with Eleanor Lovelock netting a hat-trick. Sophie Hull opened the scoring after 10 minutes. Ellen Slater and Molly Slade both finding the back of the net with a goal each in the 1st period. Cally Salter scoring late in the match.
Hitchin Town Ladies were involved in a fierce title race in Division Two last season with their local rivals eventually finishing 2nd, promoted began the season with a trip to fellow promoted side Royston Town Women Development. Hat-tricks for both Louise Gash and Samantha Couglan securing a 6-1 victory for Hitchin with Eve Chappell on target for the Royston goal.
Hartham United Ladies are a new name in the league the squad largely made up of former Welwyn Pegasus Sapphires players. The new side a charity football team looking to raise money and awareness of child bereavement for the 4louis charity. Began their league campaign with a trip to play Houghton Athletic Ladies. Both sides capable of beating anyone on the day shared a close match. Hartham United securing the 3 points courtesy of a 4-2 win. Ellie Burke netting a brace their were goal celebration too for Patience Ndlovu and Sophie Mandel. Emily Watson and Shakeela Hussain opening their accounts for Houghton Athletic.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two
It was a dramatic finish to the season in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three last season with a 3 way battle for the title going all the way to the final day. AFC Dunstable Blues (Development then) clinching the title to win promotion to Division Two. AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College Ladies strong at the end promoted as runners-up also going up are Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses and Langford Ladies. 10 teams in the league, Evergreen Eagles and Welwyn Pegasus Azures (now Hitchin Town Ladies Reserves relegated)
3 games to start the season in Division Two and as in Division One plenty of goals scored. AFC Dunstable Blues beginning the season with a home match against Watton Ladies. Bianca Vassell scoring lots of goals last season 34 in total didn’t hang around this season to open her account finding the back of the net for 4 goals. Emily Mitchell joining the side this season netting a hat-trick in her first competitive match. Goals too for Nicola Hollick and Courtney McNamara in a 10-2 win. Watton Ladies positive in the build up to the new season not making the start they would have liked.
A difficult campaign for Sherrardswood Ladies last season finishing bottom of Beds & Herts Division One and relegated. A positive outlook to start the new season however and got off to a fantastic start at home playing Wheathampstead Wanderers Ladies on Sunday. Kristie Donovan putting the hosts into the lead on 10 minutes. A quick fire brace from Rhiana Rose 10 minutes later saw Sherrardswood leading 3-0. Rose going on to complete her hat-trick then adding another on the stroke of half-time. 5-0 up at the break two further goals were added inside the final 10 minutes with Natasha Little and Manjinder Atwal celebrating.
Elsewhere in Division Two it was a much tighter affair between Langford Ladies and Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses as the two newly promoted sides met in their opening fixture. Amber Clark top scoring for Langford last season with 25 goals, getting the only goal of the match in the first half to secure the 3 points for the hosts.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three
50 goals scored already and we haven’t even started with Division Three! An 11 strong league this season with 4 new sides joining, Herts Vipers, Whetstone Wanderers Ladies and familiar names returning Harvesters Ladies and Flitwick Eagles Ladies. As mention before Hitchin Town Ladies were previously Welwyn Pegasus Azures.
Plenty of goals scored across the five fixtures taking place on the opening weekend. 3 of the new sides getting off to a fantastic start. Herts Vipers were at home taking on Bedwell Rangers Ladies. Two goals inside the opening 15 minutes from Nicole Jancey seeing Harts Vipers leading 2-0 at half-time. The hosts ran riot in the 2nd period to put 7 more goals past their opponents Jancey adding 3 more goals to her tally. There was a brace for Rebecca Edge with both Annalie Wood and Lois Ruane on target for a goal each in a 9-0 win.
A high scoring win too at home for Flitwick Eagles Ladies on the opening day as they hosted fellow newcomers Whetstone Wanderers Ladies. Brittany Holdsworth getting her name on the scoresheet for 5 goals for Flitwick there was also a hat-trick for Anna Bright along with a goal each for Sammy Beharry and Abbie Ambrose. 10 goals for Flitwick they didn’t have it all their own way with Whetstone Wanderers breaching their defence for 3 goals themselves.
Harvesters Ladies also new to the league recording an opening day victory at home as they took on Hitchin Town Ladies Reserves. Sian Appleyard, Rachel Dodds and Eve Shaw all claiming a goal as Harvesters ran out 3-0 winners.
A high scoring match too between Biggleswade United Ladies and Stotfold Juniors Ladies on Sunday in their league opener. Biggleswade making some notable new addition look like they will be challenging at the top this season. A close first half though saw them trailing 2-1 at the break. Molly Norman and Becky Charter with the goals for Stotfold. A Jade Horsley goal sandwiched in between for the hosts. Biggleswade starting the 2nd half well, Leeanne Davison with 2 goals inside 5 minutes putting them 3-2 ahead. Norman scoring again for Stotfold on the hour, so too Zoe Molloy for Biggleswade the latter netting again midway through the 2nd half. 5-3 in front Norman scored her 3rd of the game to reduce the arrears for Stotfold, Biggleswade going on to win comfortably as Horsley added a brace to claim an opening day hat-trick along with one more for Davison to see her celebrating a hat-trick and an 8-4 win for Biggleswade.
The final game to bring you saw Kempston Rovers Ladies away to Buntingford Town Ladies both beginning their 2nd season in the Beds & Herts women’s football league. A tough first season for Buntingford, Kempston Rovers improved as the season wore on and will be looking to progress further. Got off to a great start winning 5-0 to bring the 3 points home. Ellie Newberry-Blerton and Zoe Trinder both scoring twice with Ellie Williamson alos on target for a goal.
The Cambridgeshire Women’s football league got a whole load bigger over the summer as despite the number of league dropping the number of sides competing in them swells dramatically with 10 new names across a 13 strong Premiership (previously 8) and a single Championship boasting 15 sides (previously 12 across a Championship North & South).
Peterborough Northern Star Ladies Reserves move from Northamptonshire to join the Premiership whilst Cambridge City Ladies have added a 3rd women’s side. 4 sides promoted, St Ives Town Ladies Development, Haverhill Rovers Ladies, Ketton Ladies and Leverington Ladies (previously Wisbech Town Ladies). Going to be a competitive league. 10 of the 13 sides in action on the opening weekend.
Winning the Championship North last season, Ketton Ladies began their Premiership campaign with a trip to Histon Ladies Reserves. A strong season to clinch the title going all the way with Wisbech Town Ladies, Ketton got off to a great start scoring 4 goals with last seasons top scorer Fran Kavanagh opening this season with a brace. 47 goals for Kavanagh last season a potent attack with Claire Lawrenson who netted 27 goals. Lawrenson too getting her account opened with a goal along with one for Ellie Marson scoring her 1st for the club. Ketton winning 4-1. Histon’s goal scored by Amanda Binge.
Just as in the Championship North it was a hotly fought title battle in the Championship South with St Ives Town Ladies Development pipping Haverhill Rovers Ladies to the title. Both making their Premiership bow this weekend the pair on the road. Haverhill Rovers taking on Cambridge City Ladies new ‘A’ team. Haverhill entering their 2nd season together looking to push on put in a good performance against Cambridge City’s youngsters. Last season’s top scorer Joeli Kirby opening her account for the season with a goal along with assistant manager Kayleigh Steed plus an own goal securing a 3-1 win.
St Ives Ladies Development matched Haverhill Rovers score winning away to Riverside Ladies on the opening day. Losing heavily in the Women’s FA Cup, Riverside had a few more players available this weekend saw an improved performance, Gabija Pavlova scoring for the hosts, St Ives Town scoring 3 to win the game, Jade Carpenter with a brace along with a goal for Steph Ransome.
A good opening weekend for all the promoted sides with Leverington Ladies completing a quartet of wins. At home were taking on Netherton United Ladies who look to have improved their squad over the summer. Leverington formerly Wisbech Town Ladies, still the @FenLadies also adding to their squad getting off to the better start hitting the crossbar before Sophie Swinden top scorer last season with 43 goals made it 1-0. A slender lead at half-time Netherton improved 2nd half getting back on level terms with Emily Johnson on target. The game could have gone either way at that point, Leverington retaking the lead with Swinden netting a 2nd goal, Netherton pushed from a reply the hosts holding firm to start the season with a win.
Two goals on the opening day for Leverington Sports Ladies, Sophie Swinden (photo credit Steve Hone)
A dramatic match to end the Premiership games on the opening day as ICA Sports Ladies and Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds shared 11 goals between them! The visitors seeing last season’s top scorer Marie Stubbing start the season with a brace, so too Ebony Rule returning to the club. Krissie Taylor also on the scoresheet. Fulbourn scoring 5 goals it wasn’t enough to see them take anything from the game as they were undone at the other end for 6. Donna Nicholls scoring a hat-trick, their were goals to celebrate too for Carmen Herridge, Danielle King and Clare Knibbs.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship
With the clubs arguing for it the Championship becomes one single league this season to be contested by 15 sides with 8 new sides joining the league, Isleham United Youth Ladies, Newmarket Town Women Development, Deeping United Ladies, Swavesey Spartans Ladies, Eaton Socon Ladies, Cambourne United Women, Haverhill Rovers Ladies Development and Mildenhall Town Ladies. Sad to lose Wisbech St Mary Ladies who were struggling badly towards the end of the season.
On the whole though it was a good opening weekend for the more established clubs some of whom had a tough campaign last time out. The exception being Cambridge Rangers Women, having tough seasons in the past last campaign saw them on the tails of Haverhill Rovers Ladies and St Ives Town for a long spell before finishing 3rd in the Championship South. Began the new season with a trip to newly formed Mildenhall Town Ladies. Good to see the club forming a women’s team after hosting FAWNL side Cambridge Unite WFC for 3 seasons. The Championship a far cry from the FAWNL it proved to be a tough start for Mildenhall fielding the bare 11. Erika Balskute getting a hat-trick on the opening day for Cambridge Rangers. Vanessa Martinez Ramos scoring twice there were goals too for Daniella Lewis and Stephanie Rowan in an 8-0 win.
Cambridge Rangers top of the pile after the opening weekends results but only on alphabetical order as their 8-0 winning scoreline was matched by Park Ladies. Tough going for Park in the Championship South last season the squad certainly got a lift to start the season as they hosted new side Cambourne United Women. Georgia Stimson netting a hat-trick for Park, there was a brace for Demi Newman with Sophie Fenner, Darcie Tegerdine and Francesca Piltsch all getting a goal apiece.
Now I tend to only tag the winning sides in each edition of the Round-Up and it’s with delight I can tag Burwell Tigers Ladies at last as they start the season with victory. Enduring a tough couple of seasons in the Championship South the squad has kept together and were overjoyed to record an opening day victory on Sunday away to new side Eaton Socon Ladies. Admittedly in was a much closer scoreline than the previous two matches with goals from Megan Seabrook, Hannah Dewey and Eve Hedley sealing a 3-2 win, but victory and the 3 points doing wonders for the confidence.
Pinchbeck United Ladies have make some good additions to their squad over the summer and with signs they were improving showing towards the end of last season in the Championship North they got off to a winning start at home to Isleham United Ladies on Sunday in their opening fixture. Courtney Walker scoring a hat-trick to see the match won 3-0.
Better results elsewhere for the new sides joining the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship. Deeping United Ladies beginning the season with an away match against Haverhill Rovers Ladies Development regrouping after being forced to withdraw from the Suffolk Women’s Division last season. Deeping securing the 3 points courtesy of a 2-0 win with Hannah Chapman scoring both goals.
A winning start too for Swavesey Spartans Ladies as they edged the victory at home to Hungate Rovers Ladies on the opening day of the season. Goals from Meadow Wooldridge, Charlotte Frostick and Alexandra Herbert seeing the newcomers win the match 3-2.
